What is Broken Paddle Guiding Company?

Broken Paddle Guiding Company is a Minnesota-based ecotourism and outdoor recreation company specializing in guided kayak tours, eco tours, canoe adventures, paddleboard experiences, and equipment rentals throughout the Mississippi River Valley and Driftless Region. Since 2012, we've been helping visitors connect with nature through safe, educational, and memorable outdoor experiences.

Where are you located?

Our home base is located at: 213 Main St W Wabasha, MN 55981 We proudly serve visitors from throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the surrounding Midwest region.

What areas do you serve?

Guests frequently visit us from: Minnesota Minneapolis Saint Paul Rochester Red Wing Saint Cloud Winona Wabasha Wisconsin La Crosse Eau Claire Menomonie Onalaska Sparta Wausau Many visitors travel specifically to experience the Mississippi River and Driftless Area paddling opportunities.

Do I need kayaking experience?

No. Many of our guests are first-time paddlers. Our guides provide basic paddling instruction, equipment orientation, and safety information before every tour to help ensure a comfortable experience for all skill levels.

Are your tours beginner-friendly?

Yes. Many of our eco tours and paddling experiences are specifically designed for beginners, families, and casual outdoor enthusiasts. If you're unsure which tour is right for you, contact us and we'll recommend the best option.

How long do guided tours last?

Tour lengths vary depending on the experience selected. Some trips are shorter scenic excursions, while others may last several hours. Specific tour details and timing are provided during the booking process.

What will I see during a guided tour?

Every trip is different, but guests often experience: Bald eagles Great blue herons White pelicans Turtles River otters Scenic bluffs Backwater channels Wetlands Native plant communities Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, but the Mississippi River offers incredible opportunities for nature observation.

Are private tours available?

Yes We offer private guided tours for: Families Couples Corporate groups School groups Team-building events Special occasions Private tours provide a more personalized experience tailored to your group's interests.

An eco tour combines outdoor recreation with environmental education and conservation awareness. Our eco tours focus on helping guests learn about: River ecosystems Wildlife habitats Wetland environments Conservation efforts Local history Natural resources These experiences are designed to deepen your connection with the natural world while enjoying a memorable outdoor adventure.

Are eco tours suitable for children?

Yes. Many of our eco tours are family-friendly and can be enjoyed by participants of various ages and experience levels.

Why are eco tours important?

Eco-tourism encourages responsible outdoor recreation while helping people understand and appreciate the environments they visit. Our goal is to inspire conservation through meaningful outdoor experiences.

What types of equipment do you rent?

We offer: Single kayaks Tandem kayaks Canoes Stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) All equipment is regularly maintained and inspected for safety.

Do rentals include life jackets?

Yes. Every rental includes a properly fitted personal flotation device (PFD) and necessary safety equipment.

Can I rent equipment by the hour?

No. Broken Paddle Guiding does not offer hourly rentals. Available rental options include half-day, full-day, multi-day, and group rentals. Online rental periods are scheduled to avoid conflicts with guided tours.

Can I take the equipment anywhere?

Our team will provide guidance on approved launch locations and recommended paddling routes. We encourage guests to discuss their plans with us before departure so we can recommend the best options.

Do you offer self-guided trips?

Absolutely. Many guests choose our self-guided rental options to explore the Mississippi River at their own pace. We'll help you select a route that matches your skill level and available time.

Are your guides certified?

Yes. Our guides maintain: CPR Certification Water Safety Training Paddling Experience Local River Knowledge Guest safety is always our highest priority.

What happens if weather conditions are unsafe?

Safety comes first. If severe weather, dangerous water conditions, or other safety concerns arise, tours may be postponed, rescheduled, or canceled. Our team will communicate any changes as quickly as possible.

Do I have to wear a life jacket?

Yes. Personal flotation devices are required during guided tours and rental activities.

We recommend bringing: Comfortable clothing Weather-appropriate layers Sunscreen Sunglasses Drinking water Hat Waterproof phone case Camera Specific recommendations may vary depending on the season and activity.

How do I book a tour?

Tours and rentals can be reserved through our online booking system or by contacting our team directly.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking as early as possible, especially during peak paddling season. Popular tours and rental dates can fill quickly.

Can I make group reservations?

Yes. We welcome: Family gatherings Corporate outings School groups Community organizations Special events Contact us directly for group planning assistance.

Do you require waivers?

Yes. All participants may be required to complete applicable waiver forms before participating in tours or rentals. Waiver information will be provided during the booking process.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellation policies may vary depending on the type of reservation and timing of the cancellation. Please contact our team for current policy details.

Will I see bald eagles?

The Mississippi River Valley is one of the best places in the country to observe bald eagles. While wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, eagles are commonly observed throughout the year.

What makes the Driftless Region unique?

Unlike much of the Midwest, the Driftless Area was not flattened by glaciers, creating dramatic bluffs, valleys, and river landscapes that make the region especially scenic and biologically diverse.

Are you permitted to operate in wildlife refuge areas?

Yes. Broken Paddle Guiding Company operates under the appropriate permits within designated National Wildlife Refuge areas and follows all applicable regulations designed to protect sensitive habitats.

Kayaking & Rental FAQs | Broken Paddle Guiding

What is Broken Paddle Guiding Company?
Broken Paddle Guiding Company is a Minnesota-based ecotourism and outdoor recreation company specializing in guided kayak tours, eco tours, canoe adventures, paddleboard experiences, and equipment rentals throughout the Mississippi River Valley and Driftless Region.

Since 2012, we've been helping visitors connect with nature through safe, educational, and memorable outdoor experiences.
Where are you located?
Our home base is located at:

213 Main St W
Wabasha, MN 55981

We proudly serve visitors from throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the surrounding Midwest region.
What areas do you serve?
Guests frequently visit us from:

Minnesota

Minneapolis
Saint Paul
Rochester
Red Wing
Saint Cloud
Winona
Wabasha

Wisconsin

La Crosse
Eau Claire
Menomonie
Onalaska
Sparta
Wausau

Many visitors travel specifically to experience the Mississippi River and Driftless Area paddling opportunities.

Do I need kayaking experience?
No. Many of our guests are first-time paddlers.

Our guides provide basic paddling instruction, equipment orientation, and safety information before every tour to help ensure a comfortable experience for all skill levels.
Are your tours beginner-friendly?
Yes. Many of our eco tours and paddling experiences are specifically designed for beginners, families, and casual outdoor enthusiasts.

If you're unsure which tour is right for you, contact us and we'll recommend the best option.
How long do guided tours last?
Tour lengths vary depending on the experience selected.

Some trips are shorter scenic excursions, while others may last several hours. Specific tour details and timing are provided during the booking process.
What will I see during a guided tour?
Every trip is different, but guests often experience:

Bald eagles
Great blue herons
White pelicans
Turtles
River otters
Scenic bluffs
Backwater channels
Wetlands
Native plant communities

Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, but the Mississippi River offers incredible opportunities for nature observation.
Are private tours available?
Yes

We offer private guided tours for:

Families
Couples
Corporate groups
School groups
Team-building events
Special occasions

Private tours provide a more personalized experience tailored to your group's interests.

What is an eco tour?
An eco tour combines outdoor recreation with environmental education and conservation awareness.

Our eco tours focus on helping guests learn about:

River ecosystems
Wildlife habitats
Wetland environments
Conservation efforts
Local history
Natural resources

These experiences are designed to deepen your connection with the natural world while enjoying a memorable outdoor adventure.
Are eco tours suitable for children?
Yes.

Many of our eco tours are family-friendly and can be enjoyed by participants of various ages and experience levels.
Why are eco tours important?
Eco-tourism encourages responsible outdoor recreation while helping people understand and appreciate the environments they visit.

Our goal is to inspire conservation through meaningful outdoor experiences.

What types of equipment do you rent?
We offer:

Single kayaks
Tandem kayaks
Canoes
Stand-up paddleboards (SUPs)

All equipment is regularly maintained and inspected for safety.
Do rentals include life jackets?
Yes.

Every rental includes a properly fitted personal flotation device (PFD) and necessary safety equipment.
Can I rent equipment by the hour?
No. Broken Paddle Guiding does not offer hourly rentals. Available rental options include half-day, full-day, multi-day, and group rentals. Online rental periods are scheduled to avoid conflicts with guided tours.
Can I take the equipment anywhere?
Our team will provide guidance on approved launch locations and recommended paddling routes.

We encourage guests to discuss their plans with us before departure so we can recommend the best options.
Do you offer self-guided trips?
Absolutely.

Many guests choose our self-guided rental options to explore the Mississippi River at their own pace.

We'll help you select a route that matches your skill level and available time.

Are your guides certified?
Yes.

Our guides maintain:

CPR Certification
Water Safety Training
Paddling Experience
Local River Knowledge

Guest safety is always our highest priority.
What happens if weather conditions are unsafe?
Safety comes first.

If severe weather, dangerous water conditions, or other safety concerns arise, tours may be postponed, rescheduled, or canceled.

Our team will communicate any changes as quickly as possible.
Do I have to wear a life jacket?
Yes.

Personal flotation devices are required during guided tours and rental activities.
What should I bring?
We recommend bringing:

Comfortable clothing
Weather-appropriate layers
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Drinking water
Hat
Waterproof phone case
Camera

Specific recommendations may vary depending on the season and activity.

How do I book a tour?
Tours and rentals can be reserved through our online booking system or by contacting our team directly.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially during peak paddling season.

Popular tours and rental dates can fill quickly.
Can I make group reservations?
Yes.

We welcome:

Family gatherings
Corporate outings
School groups
Community organizations
Special events

Contact us directly for group planning assistance.
Do you require waivers?
Yes.

All participants may be required to complete applicable waiver forms before participating in tours or rentals.

Waiver information will be provided during the booking process.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation policies may vary depending on the type of reservation and timing of the cancellation.

Please contact our team for current policy details.

Will I see bald eagles?
The Mississippi River Valley is one of the best places in the country to observe bald eagles.

While wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, eagles are commonly observed throughout the year.
What makes the Driftless Region unique?
Unlike much of the Midwest, the Driftless Area was not flattened by glaciers, creating dramatic bluffs, valleys, and river landscapes that make the region especially scenic and biologically diverse.
Are you permitted to operate in wildlife refuge areas?
Yes.

Broken Paddle Guiding Company operates under the appropriate permits within designated National Wildlife Refuge areas and follows all applicable regulations designed to protect sensitive habitats.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions